Most employees in California are considered employee’s “at will.”  While it is not a right to be employed, it is your right to be protected from illegal termination. In California, there are generally three categories that fall under wrongful termination:

Discrimination

An employee cannot be terminated on the basis of:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Race
  • National Origin
  • Physical Disability
  • Religion
  • Marital Status
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Pregnancy

Retaliation

An employee has the right to work in a proper work environment.  An employee cannot be terminated in response to employee complaints off illegal treatment or working conditions.

Whistle blowing

The law also protects employees who report illegal work activities or working conditions to government agencies.  An employer cannot fire an employee in response to employee complaints to the proper authorities.